BURNS: Henry David "Dave. Dave Burns was born June 27, 1932 to Harry and Sophia Burns, in Unity, Saskatchewan. Dave was predeceased by his brother, George Burns (1983); sister, Doris Hay (1977) and his parents. He leaves behind, his beloved wife, Rita; his children, Barbara (Roger) Bouthillier, Linda Burns, Bonnie Burns and Robert Burns; as well as his grandchildren, Melissa, Collin, Brett, Adam, Kyle and Dawson; sisters, Margaret (John) Ciesla and Phyllis Hay. Dave fought Multiple Myeloma with courage, dignity and grace until his last breath on March 29, 2011 when he died peacefully in his sleep. "Dad" lived his life to the fullest. He was a jack of all trades. As a young man he learned the skills of a carpenter which carried him throughout his lifetime, building homes, community halls, hotels, granaries, fences, elevators and restoring heritage buildings. Although he worked in many areas, his true love was living on the land and his final home was his ranch in Greencourt with his wife, Rita, his eight horses, two dogs and his favourite cat, Whiskers. Dave was a Firefighter for most of his life. He began his career in North Battleford, SK where he was a member of the Fire Department for 14 years and until recently he was the Chief of the Greencourt Volunteer Fire Department. He continued as a Fire Guardian to the Lac St. Anne County to the present day. Dad raised his children on the farm and many times, referred to those days as a "hard life". His work ethic was second to none and throughout his life, his working hands were always busy. He also had a strong sense of family and loved to stop in unannounced to visit friends and family whenever he was in the neighbourhood. His doors were always open to visitors, where there would be a cup of coffee, a snack or a good card game waiting. Dad had a passion for horses and in his retirement, enjoyed driving pacers and chariots in the amateur circuit. His home was adorned by trophies, ribbons and pictures of friends, horses and people that he met along the way. Dad loved to socialize. From floor curling to Whist Clubs, officiating community ball games, friendship centres and jamborees, he believed in getting to know his neighbours and being involved in the community. Every year he would invite his neighbours, friends and family to join him on his birthday for a big barbeque in the back yard. This is where he was happiest. Dad was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend and he left this world knowing he was loved. We will miss him and cherish our memories of him. Have a great ride Dad. We'll see you down the road. A Celebration of Dave's Life will be held Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mayerthorpe Legion, Mayerthorpe with Pastor Ruth Lotholz officiating. Cremation has taken place. Private inurnment. In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2 or a charitable organization of your choice. To send condolences, visit Park Memorial Mayerthorpe 780-786-2533 Family Owned Funeral Home and Crematorium ____________________________________________________
